While looser monetary policy may seem bullish in the short term, the medium-term ramifications could upend the yellow metal.

Recession pessimism ahead

The ‘bad news is good news’ trade continues to dominate the financial markets, as weaker economic data is perceived as bullish for risk assets. In a nutshell: if the Fed pivots and ends QT, all of investors’ problems will disappear. However, while the narrative has helped gold, an ominous economic backdrop should result in much lower prices in the months ahead.  

For example, S&P Global released its U.S. Composite PMI on Nov. 24. And while the overall data was somewhat mixed, the last piece of the recession puzzle has begun to take shape. An excerpt read:

“U.S. companies lowered their workforce numbers during November for the first time in almost three-and-a-half years. Although only fractional, employment tipped into contractionary territory following the first drop in service sector headcounts since June 2020. Manufacturers, meanwhile, recorded back-to-back declines in staffing numbers.

“Businesses commonly mentioned that relatively muted demand conditions and elevated cost pressures had led to lay-offs. Other companies noted that hiring freezes were in place amid pressure on margins.”

Thus, while we warned repeatedly that higher long-term interest rates were poised to erode consumer demand, a slowdown in the U.S. labor market should continue for the foreseeable future. And as that occurs, investors’ pivot optimism should turn to recession pessimism.

Remember, rate cuts have been historically bearish, as they typically occur alongside severe economic contractions. And with the crowd pricing in a perfect soft landing, a major surprise should unfold, which is highly bearish for silver, gold and mining stocks.

More red flags

Despite investors’ belief that the Fed will pull off the perfect landing (it never does), boom and bust cycles have played out plenty of times throughout history. And with the ominous data hiding in plain sight, it’s likely only a matter of time before investors’ confidence turns to doubt. 

LinkUp’s employment index tracks the hiring intentions of the 10,000 largest employers with the most U.S. job openings. And with the metric suffering a serious slide, it’s no wonder crude oil has come under pressure. 

fxsoriginal

To explain, the blue line above tracks LinkUp’s employment index over the last 100 days. If you analyze the sharp deceleration, you can see that hiring intentions collapsed as long-term interest rates soared. Moreover, while the crowd continues to celebrate the drawdown (pivot hopes), a continued crash should lead to a Minsky Moment in 2024.

As further evidence, continued unemployment claims have risen materially, which adds further fuel to the bearish thesis. The metric measures the number of Americans who have filed for unemployment more than once.

Please see below:

fxsoriginal

To explain, the sharp rise on the right side of the chart highlights how continued unemployment claims have surpassed their 2022 and 2023 highs. And again, it’s no coincidence the recent surge occurred alongside the rise in long-term interest rates. As a result, the fundamentals continue to unfold as expected, and a recession should be the next catalyst that hammers risk assets and uplifts the USD Index.

Finally, with U.S. mortgage rates following Treasury yields higher, the housing market remains highly unaffordable for most buyers. And with pending home sales in crash mode, demand remains another casualty of the Fed’s inflation fight. 

Overall, the ‘bad news is good news’ narrative has been a boon for the S&P 500. Yet, risk assets are known to place hope before reality, which often leads to sharp reversals when the latter prevails. Consequently, we believe the real drama is yet to come, and mining stocks should suffer profoundly if (when) a recession arrives. 


Want free follow-ups to the above article and details not available to 99%+ investors? Sign up to our free newsletter today!

All essays, research and information found above represent analyses and opinions of Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA and Sunshine Profits' employees and associates only. As such, it may prove wrong and be a subject to change without notice. Opinions and analyses were based on data available to authors of respective essays at the time of writing. Although the information provided above is based on careful research and sources that are believed to be accurate, Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA and his associates do not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the data or information reported. The opinions published above are neither an offer nor a recommendation to purchase or sell any securities. Mr. Radomski is not a Registered Securities Advisor. By reading Przemyslaw Radomski's, CFA reports you fully agree that he will not be held responsible or liable for any decisions you make regarding any information provided in these reports. Investing, trading and speculation in any financial markets may involve high risk of loss. Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA, Sunshine Profits' employees and affiliates as well as members of their families may have a short or long position in any securities, including those mentioned in any of the reports or essays, and may make additional purchases and/or sales of those securities without notice.

Recommended Content


Recommended Content

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD stays strongly bid above 1.0400 after EU data

EUR/USD stays strongly bid above 1.0400 after EU data

EUR/USD stays well bid abpve 1.0400 in the European session on Thursday. The pair benefits from risk-on sentiment-led unabated US Dollar selling as traders anticipate Russia-Ukraine peae talks. Focus shifts to US data as dismal Eurozone industrial data fail to deter buyers. 

EUR/USD News
GBP/USD holds gains near 1.2500 after UK GDP data

GBP/USD holds gains near 1.2500 after UK GDP data

GBP/USD sustains bullish momentum and trades near 1.2500 in the European session on Thursday. Pound Sterling benefits from the improving risk mood and the upbeat UK data, which showed that the economy expanded at an annual rate of 1.4% in Q4, surpassing the market expectation of 1.1%.

GBP/USD News
Gold picks up ascent despite risks residing in the background

Gold picks up ascent despite risks residing in the background

Gold’s price soars again and resumes its rally near $2,920 at the time of writing on Thursday, with Bullion traders shrugging off the United States (US) Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for January released on Wednesday. 

Gold News
Bitcoin retail traders remain fearful, here’s why BTC could test all-time high

Bitcoin retail traders remain fearful, here’s why BTC could test all-time high

Bitcoin retail traders and small wallet holders reduce their holdings amidst fear of a steeper correction in the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. BTC price consolidates below the $100,000 level on Thursday, erasing less than 2% of its value on the day. 

Read more
Lacklustre UK growth a fresh headache for the Treasury

Lacklustre UK growth a fresh headache for the Treasury

Fourth-quarter UK GDP wasn't as bad as it could have been, though the details weren't great. The combination of weaker growth and higher market rates has likely eroded the already-limited fiscal 'headroom' granted to Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Read more
The Best Brokers of the Year

The Best Brokers of the Year

SPONSORED Explore top-quality choices worldwide and locally. Compare key features like spreads, leverage, and platforms. Find the right broker for your needs, whether trading CFDs, Forex pairs like EUR/USD, or commodities like Gold.

Read More

Majors

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures

Best Brokers of 2025